U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations along with U.S. Border Patrol arrested 18 smugglers at the country’s southern border.
Law enforcement officials seized cash, vehicles and more than 1,000 lbs. of marijuana from these alien smugglers.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to vigorously pursue members of transnational criminal networks that exploit and endanger people they smuggle into our country,” Jack Staton, special agent in charge of HSI El Paso, said. “These smugglers are driven by human greed and heartlessness. HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, such as Border Patrol, to maintain the integrity of our border and nation’s immigration laws.”
Two U.S. citizens were among the alien smugglers who were arrested, including Elias Serrano, 42. Serrano has prior convictions for aggravated stalking, kidnapping, possessing a deadly weapon, and possessing marijuana with intent to distribute. Jesus Briseno, 25, who was also arrested, has prior convictions for escape from custody, possessing marijuana, assault/causing injury to family member, and driving while intoxicated.
Law enforcement agents also arrested 117 illegal aliens in three area stash houses. The illegals were from Mexico (93), Guatemala (12), Honduras (6), Brazil (3), El Salvador (2) and Peru (1). They seized nine vehicles, three tractor-trailers and $20,000 in U.S and Mexican currency.
Among them was a 34-year-old Guatemalan with an outstanding warrant out of Florida for driving under the influence, and also charged with illegally re-entering the United States after deportation. Also, a 30-year-old Mexican with ties to a Mexican drug cartel was arrested for fraud and misuse of visas, while a 32-year-old Mexican with convictions for child endangerment and driving while intoxicated, was arrested for illegally re-entering the United States after deportation.
“This is a great example of the dedication and cooperation amongst area law enforcement agencies working towards the shared goals of securing our borders, protecting our local communities and our nation,” Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Chris Clem, U.S. Border Patrol-El Paso Sector, said.